A frustrated resident used social media to mock blundering bosses after a roadworks mix-up.

United Utilities were called to reports of a damaged drain on Buxton Road in Macclesfield.

But when they arrived at the site workmen cordoned off the wrong drain.

Residents of Buxton Road pointed out the error but after checking with their bosses workmen left the roadworks in place.

Infuriated by the situation resident Simon Spurrell took photos of the blunder, annotated them and posted them on Facebook under the heading ‘Epic Failure’.

Within hours workmen had returned and move the cordon over the correct drain.

United Utilities (UU) have now apologised for the ‘whoopsy’ and pledged to fix the drain.

Businessman Mr Spurrell, who lives on the road, said he turned to Facebook when the situation turned ‘farcical’.

simon spurrell, pictured left, with his business partner Richard Buxton

He said: “The ‘clunk clunk’ noise of the drain cover rattling was it was driven over by cars and lorries was driving us all to distraction. It was broken about 12 weeks ago and after being fenced off for two weeks while it was repaired. Then three weeks later it broke again. We got back on the phone and when the latest set of workmen arrived they set up the barriers on the wrong side of the road. Twice we pointed out the error but after calling his office he was instructed to work on the undamaged drain cover as this was on the job ticket from Cheshire East Council.

“It became farcical. It was bureaucracy gone mad.

“The noise was horrendous. I thought I would turn to Facebook to try and shame the council and United Utilities, challenging them to experience broken sleep for weeks on end.

“Let’s hope they get it sorted for good and let us have some peace.”

Helen Apps, a spokesman for United Utilities said the company was aiming to fix the problem.

She said: “It’s a whoopsy. We made a mistake and we’re sorry. We put the barriers up over the wrong valve cover which is over a water main.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: “Cheshire East Council’s highways team is aware of issues regarding this work by UU on this road and is in ongoing contact with the company to ensure it brings about a swift resolution of the problem to minimise further disruption to residents and road users.”